X-FAB adopts orang-utan

KUCHING: X-FAB has adopted an orang-utan named Jubilee in Semenggoh Wildlife Centre as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) in support of orangutan conservation.

Last December, X-FAB Silicon Foundries worked with Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) to promote orang-utan conservation and rehabilitation by donating 25 cents from each visitor on its Christmas page to SFC’s wildlife conservation fund.

“We hope to extend the programme for people to be aware of the importance of the orangutan,” said SFC corporate communications manager, Isobeth Bana after receiving RM10,000 from Dr Manfred Riemer, Group chief operating officer, X-FAB Silicon Foundries at Semenggoh Wildlife Centre yesterday.

“At X-FAB, we believe in giving back to the society not only to the community where we operate but also to the environment.

“This endangered species plays a crucial role in our ecosystem. It takes 10-15 years for them to reach sexual maturity, giving birth to only one baby only once every five years at most.

“With extremely low reproductive rate, this makes them extremely vulnerable to extinction.

“We want to be part of this conservation effort,” said Dr Riemer.

Also present at the ceremony were X-FAB Sarawak Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Lee Boon Chun, HR director Maureen

Labarge and park manager of Semenggoh Wildlife Centre Nor Emel Farnida Jaddil.

Besides orangutan, turtle and hornbill adoption programmes, SFC is looking into the conservation of other wild life including rafflesia and sponsorship for reefball.

Currently, there are more than 30 free-ranging orang utans in Semenggoh Wildlife Centre.

SFC welcomes more contributions in cash or volunteer service.

Members of the public can adopt a specific orang utan by contributing RM200 a year or RM10,000 a year for corporate sponsorship.

To adopt, contact SFC Corporate Communications at 082-629340.